Earlham has lots to offer despite alcohol problems
by Toivo Asheeke
Dan Miller wrote an article last week articulating his disappointment in the amount of drinking that occurs at Earlham College. To illuminate the depths to which this disappointment ran, he wrote about how in choosing this renowned and respected Quaker institution, he was drawn by its “focus on Quaker values, the small student body and all of the good things I heard about the community at Earlham.” He further went on to say that whenever he was asked why he wanted to attend a small college such as Earlham he would respond, “…community there is fantastic, students take the fact that they are isolated and turn it into a boon. They rally together and strive to create a good experience at Earlham…” However, Dan went on to say that he was leaving Earlham in large part because of the blatant drinking and disregard by the students of Earlham’s dry campus policy. Dan wrote that he believed some students showed a great deal of disrespect by being loud and unruly, everywhere except possibly Bundy, and forgetting that perhaps others do not want to be subjected to that noise.
I commend Dan for putting himself out there and writing this article. There are many valid arguments he makes in this open letter; but I strongly disagree with what he stands for in his article.
To begin with, by leaving Earlham because of its drinking “problem,” he and others who he claims are leaving for similar reasons will be missing out on a lot. Earlham has an extraordinary faculty that actively engages the students who they teach to the best of their ability. All Earlham faculty in my 3 1/2 year experience do all they can to ensure that students who take their classes are able to leave the school having learnt something. Most other large institutions have too many students to enable this close personal relationship to form.
In addition to this, Earlham has a wonderful study-abroad program that allows students to experience the world in which they live in a way that amplifies their education. I could go on and talk about how beautiful the campus is, how friendly and open the people are, and how safe this environment here is. But I guess with Dan, this is not enough.
My question then, to Dan Miller and others who feel the same, is can they find nothing about Earlham to fight for? In my opinion I disagree with Dan leaving Earlham because of the alcohol abuse he claims to be so negatively affected by. This decision in my opinion shows a lack of character and courage as well as a deficiency of morale fiber. Dan talked about Quaker values. Lets examine some of what Quakers have done that has shaped those values. Quakers were the first abolitionists in the United States and many put their lives on the line to help free black slaves. Many Quakers were members of the Underground Railroad started by Harriet Tubman and provided shelter and lodging to slaves running from plantations in the south. Many were beaten and often times killed for this action, and because of their pacifist beliefs, many never fought back. They stood for what they believed was right and were among those to force their beloved country to see what was right and change how they lived. Instead of running from a problem as Dan and others are, they stood and fought for what they believed in.
If alcohol abuse is a problem to the degree that Dan states at Earlham, then what is he doing about it? It’s easy to write an article at the end of the semester blasting the College and its “supposed community” and promptly run for the hills. Why not stay and try to make a difference? But I guess maybe I am being too harsh on Dan. This type of attitude towards problem solving is not new.
So I guess Dan’s article should not surprise us. People today rarely fight for what they believe in, especially if it is perceived to be unpopular. This is sad and really reduces the quality and character of the human race today as we can watch the oppression of the Palestinian people by the Israelis and do nothing. Or march out in support of Barack Obama and his policies in 2008 and yet in 2010 stay at home while other march against him. I am no saint by any means and must do more on my side to better this world starting with, as the late Michael Jackson said “the man in the mirror,” but my advice to Dan and people like him is, if you really believe in making this world a better place and don’t like one aspect of Earlham’s community, do something more productive than flee.
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